Texas Gulf Coast Gardener Program at Mercer Botanic Gardens

Published 2:00 am, Sunday, September 6, 2015

Gulf Coast Gardener students look for cuttings in the greenhouse to plant in their own gardens.

Gulf Coast Gardener students look for cuttings in the greenhouse to plant in their own gardens.

Texas Gulf Coast Gardener Program at Mercer Botanic Gardens

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Learn about plants that thrive in the coastal region during the Texas Gulf Coast Gardener (TGCG) program, presented by Mercer Botanic Gardens and The Mercer Society (TMS).

The nine-week program begins the fourth week in September onsite at Mercer. Registration is now open for Tiers I and II, so call 713-274-4160 today or visit the park to enroll. Space is limited.

Tier I, “Intro to Gardening,” covers a wide range of topics for beginner- and intermediate-level gardeners, including site development, propagation, pest management and pruning. Completion of Tier I provides gardeners with the knowledge they need to successfully start their own home garden.

Tier II, “Outstanding Landscape Plants,” focuses on plants ideal for home gardens and landscapes in the Texas Gulf Coast climate. Classes will cover traditional garden staples and landscape essentials from trees and shrubs to more exotic plant types like ferns, orchids and gingers. Tier II is a great course for those who may have established gardens of their own, but want to learn about new and exciting plants to add to their collection while improving their horticultural skills.

Classes will be held on Tuesdays (Tier I) and Thursdays (Tier II) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a one-hour break for lunch beginning Sept. 22 through Nov. 19. Registration fees are $200 for TMS members and $225 for non-members.

The TGCG curriculum was developed by Mercer staff with guidance from Dr. David Creech, professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University, and staff from Mast Arboretum in Nacogdoches. The program gives participants the knowledge and skills needed to start, develop and maintain their own gardens through a variety of gardening and horticulture topics specifically designed for the pleasures and challenges of the Texas Gulf Coast climate.

With leadership from Commissioner R. Jack Cagle, Mercer Botanic Gardens is a Harris County Precinct 4 Parks facility located one mile north of FM 1960 at 22306 Aldine Westfield Road in Humble, 77338. Harris County Precinct 4 programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, sex, religion, national origin, or physical ability. Anyone seeking additional information or requiring special assistance to participate in any program should contact Mercer at 713-274-4160 or visit www.hcp4.net/community/parks/mercer.